TY  - JOUR
T1  - Evaluation of Body Condition Score in Ankole Cattle in Nyagatare District of Rwanda
AU - Kabasingiza, Nadine AU - Mutimura, Mupenzi AU - Mutoni, Gilbert 
JO  - Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances
VL  - 19
IS  - 4
SP  - 43
EP  - 46
PY  - 2020
DA  - 2001/08/19
SN  - 1680-5593
DO  - javaa.2020.43.46
UR  - https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=javaa.2020.43.46
KW  - physical appearance
KW  -disease prevalence
KW  -Longevity
KW  -reproduction
KW  -production performances
AB  - Body Condition Score (BCS) is a very
important management tool in livestock particularly
because of its association with health, reproduction and
production performances in cattle. However, there is a
little information on Body Condition Score (BCS) of
Ankole cattle and their effect on reproduction, production
and longevity. The objective of the study was to evaluate
body condition score and its influence on production and
reproduction performances as well as health status of
Ankole cows in Nyagat are district of Rwanda. Based on
the sampling frame, 60 Ankole cattle were evaluated and
primary data were collected through visual, touch and feel
on the external part of the body while the existing records
were used as secondary data. Results showed that BCS
had an influence on longevity, disease prevalence,
physical appearance, production and reproduction
performances in Ankole cows. High percentage (25%) of
Ankole cows had a body condition score of three. These
cows had normal reproduction performance compared to
the rest of cows. The healthiest cows were found to be in
the BCS of 3-5. This means that better BSC for disease
prevalence was$3. It is suggested that farmers should use
the BCS as a management tool to improved productivity
of Ankole cows.
ER  -